Is HHV-6 A Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Yes, can you please tell me if HHV-6 is a sexually transmitted disease and if it can be passed on to a partner through sex? Thanks,

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HHV6 transmitted by saliva and genital fluids

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
HHV 6 is the causative agent for roseola which is usually seen in children as several days of high fever followed by breaking in to rashes. It can be transmitted through saliva and genital secretions. Therefore sexual transmission is also there. The viral DNA can also get integrated into the individual s DNA at conception and this means that it can also come from the sperms of father or eggs from the mother and get incorporated.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back should you have doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (22 minutes later)

Hello,

My husband and I were recently tested for a variety of things and it showed that we both had HHV-6. My husband said that he knew he already had it, but I had never had it before. I believe I must have gotten it from my husband as I believe it can be sexually transmitted. I'm not upset, but would just like to know. Can you please confirm if this possible?

Thank you,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most get infected as children

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I understand your concern regarding the source of your infection. Let me share the information that antibody studies demonstrate that HHV-6 infects approximately 90% of children by the age of 2 years. Therefore there are many possibilities for your infection

1. You might have been infected in childhood but your infection remained hidden until recently and showed up on testing.
2. You got infected by kissing any child or adult and not necessarily your husband.
3. Sexual transmission from your husband comes in the end as primary infection in adults is less likely.

As we see that this infection is widely distributed in the population and its infectivity can occur at any age. The symptoms occur usually in those with decreased immunity and most of the people who get infected remain without symptoms.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad